Alzheimer’s disease. It’s one of the most frightening diagnoses one can receive in their lifetime. Someone in the US receives this diagnosis every 65 seconds. Although we currently have no cure for Alzheimer’s and some cases cannot be prevented, you can improve brain health and reduce your risk of developing this and other brain deteriorating diseases. The best news about these steps is that anyone can take them and you don’t need a doctor’s visit to get started. 

1. Exercise regularly. You don’t have to join Cross-fit to get the exercise you need to improve brain health and keep your body strong. A brisk 20-30 minute walk each day will do the trick.
2. Maintain a healthy diet. Cutting back on sugar and getting plenty of omega-3 fats as well as eating plenty of fruits and vegetables are essential to good brain health. Following the Mediterranean diet is a great way to ensure you get the nutrients your brain needs.
3. Keep up social engagement. Even if you’re not a social butterfly you should still maintain social interaction and face-to-face connection with friends and family. Volunteering and participating in social groups like a book club or gardening club is a great way to make new friends and help others.
4. Stimulate your mind. Crossword puzzles, games like checkers or chess, and memory games are a great way to stimulate your brain and keep the mind challenged.
5. Get good sleep. Our brains need sleep as much as our bodies do! Creating a bedtime routine and regular sleep schedule can help you get the quality sleep your brain needs. 
6. Manage stress. Few things eat away at the brain like chronic stress. We can’t prevent stressful things from happening in our lives but we can learn how to manage how we react to them. Learning relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation are great ways to de-stress as well as simple things like keeping up your sense of humor. 
7. Take care of your vascular health. Hypertension is linked to dementia which is why keeping your blood pressure in check is essential to good brain health. The good news is, if you’re following steps 1-6, you’re already heading the right direction to good vascular health. 

There’s one more way you can help protect your brain health and that’s by scheduling yearly wellness exams with your healthcare provider. Request your wellness appointment with EliteCare now. For more on protecting your brain health, click here.